The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-06-15

the new laws. 80 that there may be infeIli
gent and harmonious action on the part u
J those who are directly interested ia tn,
management OF our local normal and public
schools.
STATE APPROPRIATIONS
The Legislature has appropriated One and
a Hat Million Dollars to the common Schools
This is an increase of Half Million over
former appropriations, and the districts will
receive fifty per cent. more money from the
state treasury than heretofore This is evi-
IDENTIFY step in the right direction, and we
believe the people will make such additional
provisions for the schools as the circnm-
stances of the individual districts win permit
and make such Advancement in the cause OF
popular education, as this substantial aid on
the part Of the State merits.
SIX MONTHS SCHOOL TERM
The Legislature has also passed, and Gov
ernor Beaver has approved the bill to in
crease the minimum school term to Sir
Months. The law is of course mandatory
within the conditions and limitations speci-
fled in the act, and Directors are required to
see that it's provisions are carried into effect
The question has been asked, whether the
six months can be devided into two terms
and teachers employed for each term, indie
pendently of the other. The Department of
Public Instruction answers this question
definitely by saying :. The law contem-
plates one continuous term under the same
teacher" This does not however, interfere
with the granting Of such vacations rs may
be deemed for the best interests Of the
schools.
The increase of the State appropriation will
| 20 far towards meeting the expense incurred
by the additional month, 50 that the increase
] oflocal taxation will be very slight. Teach
ers may be paid the same, or even higher
salaries, and the Taxpayers will hardly
know the difference; while they secure
longer school term, and its natural results
more efficient teachers. better schools, and in
creased facilities for the education Of the boys
and girls at home.
In support of the new enactment, State
| superintendent Higbee says, There viii
be more money IN the State-treasury after
while and the best argument that can be
Offered to induce still larger appropriations
:. hereafter, win be an intelligent and cheer
ful compliance with the law, as a recogni-
ton OF the liberal spirit in which the pres
ent increase was made.
The respective School Boards have this
matter largely in their own hands, and it is
for them to show how much public spirit
they possess and how much interest they
I feel in the cause of education If they re-
dsce taxes by just the amount of the in
crease of appropriation, and do nothing to
improve the schools nor add to teachers
work the incentive of better pay, then a
most powerful argument will be furnished
to the next Legislature, TO take offthe extra
half million instead of doubling it.
THE INSTITUTE LAW.
| BY the provisions of the act approved
| April 13, 1887, Directors are authorized and
required to pay the teachers employed in
l the common schools for attendance upon
the county Institute Such compensation
shall not be less than the per disa, pay
for actual teaching, but shall in no case
exceed two dollas per day and shall be al
lowed and paid for each days attendance
reported by the county Superintendent. The
law further provides that a school month
shall consist of twenty days actual teaching
as heretofore.
This is public recognition of the import
ance of county institutes in schoolwork, and
a legal endorsement oftheir practical benefit
to teachers Nothing has marked more
clearly, the progress of educational interest
in Somerset county, than the rapid and sub
stantial development ofour Institutes during
late years. Probably no one week in the
whole school-year has been spent TO better
advantage and from which teachers, ,iirec-
tors and patrons. have received directly and
indirectly, a greater benefit, than the week
spent in annual sessions at the county seat
And now that the State recognizes their
value and gives financial aid il is earnestly
expected that the Institutes viii continue
70 be solid weeks of useful, practical instruc-
ton and profitable entertainment. To this
end, we believe that every effort will be put
forth by those who have part in its work
or share in It's benefit
TIME FOR OPENING SCHOOLS.
All districts that heretofore have had term
of less than six months, will. as matter OF
course, open their schools earlier. or continue
them later, or both as may be deemed for the
best interests Of the individual districts.
There is no special need or demand for uni
formity in this matter As rule, however,
a six months term, ought to begin not later
than the first week in October, and in many
localities, il may be advisable 10 begin two
or three weeks earlier
The Superintendent suggests that the time
ofopening be determined as early as possible
and that he be informed of the time agreed
upon, so that the examinations of teach
ers in the various parts of the county may
be held in due time
ExNMIN ALTON OF TEACHERS.
A number of local Normal Schools are
now in progress in the county, and in har-
mony with an established custom, an exam
nation will be held at the close of each, as
follows:
lockwood, Juue II; Meyersdale, June Is;
stoyestown. June % Somerset, June "A
Ursina, July /.
These examinations, as all others regularly |
announced, will be opened to the general
public, and all persons interested are invited
to be present
The regular fall examinations will neces-
sarily be held earlier than heretofore, as the
time for opening the public schools viii
doubtless require such change.
1t is too early to give exact dates, but il is
safe to presume that most, or all, ofthe ex-
aminations will be held between the 1st and
the 10th of September. Fun and definite
announcements will be made in due time
For the information of those who expect
TO be candidates for examination, it may be
well To state
l. The examinations will be chiefly writ
ten, and applicants will be prepared accord
ingly
2. The regular hours will be from 5 To l:;0 /
4. NJ and from 10 4:,.0 p NJ
8 As rule, only such as have teaehing in /
view, either Immediately or remotely viii |
be admitted TO examination.
4. All who shall he found to possess the |
proper qualifications, with regard TO scholar /
ship age, and professional sttainments, will |
receive Teachers' certificates all Others GER
tifcates Of Scholarship, only.